Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is also the responsible vector for transmission of dengue and yellow fever. This disease occurs episodically every few years in various parts of Africa, Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. The major clinical feature is severe joint pains which can often last from 6 to 12 months or even longer.
The virus is taken up by the Aedes mosquito during a blood meal from an infected human and transmits it to another human through a bite. The virus multiplies in the skin before spreading through the body to affect to the joints.
There are three clinical phases of the disease depending on the duration of symptoms experienced, these are:
The diagnosis suspected clinically based on the nature of symptoms in the background of residence or travel to an area experiencing an outbreak. The disease is confirmed using the following blood tests
There is no definitive treatment for Chikungunya. Management is targeted at controlling symptoms of the illness. The acute phase does have a risk for development of shock in severe cases and may require hospital admission with fluid hydration therapy.
The disease can be prevented by controlling outbreaks effectively and protecting against mosquito bites.
There is currently no available vaccine to protect against Chikungunya.
This post was last modified on July 14, 2023 4:02 pm
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